T-Mobile quietly drops OS 4.2 update for BlackBerry 8700g

You would think that, given the collective sense of excitement, coupled with the significant upgrades in features and functionality, T-Mobile would have launched their OS 4.2 update for the 8700g/8705g with a bit more fanfare. Alas, we don’t claim to understand the mind of a T-Mobile executive. Perhaps it had something to do with not wanting to cannibalize 8800 sales (yes, they still have the 8800 for sale). Whatever the case, the OS update is here, and it’s available for free download from the carrier’s site. At least T-Mobile is actually offering it, and for that, guys, we congratulate them. BlackBerry handheld OS 4.2.1.91 (note that this is slightly newer than the 4.2.1.74 version currently available for T-Mo’s 8800) is now available for all current 8700g/8705g customers. Sales reps are being instructed to educate curious customers on the virtues of the new OS update, and to point inquiring minds to http://www.t-mobile.com/bbupgrade. They are also being told to inform customers that this will render their 8700g “just like the Pearl!” Not the best way to prevent cannibalization, but good for us in the end. Check the full sales sheet below, and hit the link to get your 4.2 OS on!

Very nice and about time even if not for me, but what happend with HTC Shift post that was suppose to come up? I read it and found a video but it seems that it is gone now.

Jason Chapa

I spoke with T-mobile yesterday. The new handheld software for the Pearl should arrive on the 14th as well. It corrects several issues, but particularly an issue where your MyFaves icons get corrputed.

Pardon my ignorance, but does 4.2 enable me to have a Today screen like the Pearl? I flashed my 8700g with Vodaphone software so I could have a Today screen and don’t want to upgrade if it means losing that.

Jeff B.

Cool…now if I just owned one.

Bradley

Yet it still doesn’t resolve the MMS issue…

Tony

I’m with Bradley… I’m waiting for the Curve on T-Mobile so I didn’t upgrade to the 8800 and so this is WAS great news. But… is anyone else noticing how much slower the new firmware is? Loading the pictures saved on my phone literally took 5 minutes. And everyday functions like changing the profiles through a shortcut seem a little sluggish. Any suggestions?

BMack

could i use this on my Verizon 8703e? I am trying to get pics and ring tones onto it and of course VZW has crippled that.

Allen

This update appears to have been pulled! All I can see there now is version 4.1.0.346.

J.T.

yeah same here….i went to the page, and it was pulled…anyone care/be so kind as to share the upgrade with us that didn’t get a chance to get it? rapidshare/megaupload? please?
thanks